Raheem Sterling has been left out of Chelsea's Europa Conference League squad. © Facebook (@9kickoff)
Raheem Sterling has been left out of Chelsea’s squad for their Europa Conference League play-off first leg against Servette. This exclusion marks the second consecutive match where the 29-year-old England forward has not been featured, following his omission from Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Manchester City. The absence of a player of Sterling’s caliber raises questions about his future at the club, especially considering his significant contributions since joining in 2022.
Chelsea defenders Ben Chilwell, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Sterling were not included in the A-list sent to UEFA for Thursday’s game at Stamford Bridge. These omissions highlight the depth of Chelsea’s squad, which significant summer signings have bolstered. With the second leg scheduled in Switzerland on 29 August, these players could be included in the team for the Conference League group stage if Chelsea progresses.
Sterling’s representatives have publicly expressed concerns about his future at the club, seeking clarity regarding his role. This statement came ahead of Chelsea’s defeat to Manchester City, in which Sterling’s absence was keenly felt. The situation has spotlighted Chelsea’s summer transfer activities, which have seen the club spend approximately £185 million on 11 new signings, creating an overabundance of senior players.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has acknowledged the challenge of managing such a large squad, admitting that there is not enough space for all players to feature in every match. Despite this, Maresca emphasized that he “wants” Sterling to remain at Chelsea, signalling his belief in the player’s value to the team. However, the decision to leave Sterling out of crucial matches could suggest internal uncertainties about his long-term place in the squad.
Since joining Chelsea from Manchester City for £50 million in July 2022, Sterling has made 81 appearances for the club. His exclusion from recent matchday squads is a surprising development for a player of his stature, and it has fueled speculation about his future at Stamford Bridge. As the season progresses, monitoring how Sterling’s situation evolves and whether he will reclaim a regular spot in Chelsea’s starting lineup will be crucial.
